I cant commit to getting braced. :(

[SunshineRay]

Thanks Corrine! I talked to my husband friday night and he was very supportive. He thinks Im harder on myself then I need to be but if it would make me happier then go for it.

[Bezza]

Well done for talking about it with your husband.

I'd spoken to my boyfriend on and off about it for years. He thought my teeth were quite cute and quirky and didn't think I needed anything done but said he would support me in my decision if that's what I wanted.

I'm nearly 8 months into my treatment and he now says he completely agrees with me that they did need doing and he understands why it was necessary. He says braces have improved the way I look even though I still have 12- 15 months to go!

I'm 38 and it took me about 24 years to make this decision so I totally understand your anxiety. Don't put it off any longer. It will continue to bother you if you don't do anything. But if you go ahead, in a couple of years time you never have to think about your teeth ever again!!

I have ceramic uppers and metal lowers (don't know the name.) I work in a customer facing enviroment and sometimes have to go to sales meetings pitching our business to corporate customers in a business to business environment, all posh suits and shiny shoes, but I've never felt awkward or self conscious. They're much more noticeable to you than they are to anyone else.

It's not easy, it's sometimes sore, sometimes frustatingly boring but endlessly fascinating and very rewarding.

I hope you decide to go ahead. If you don't, make the decision to be happy with what you've got. You can waste so much time stressing and hiding away.

You said you've lived with this for 38 years and that's half your life. What about the other half? Do you want to feel the same as you do now for another 38 years? I couldn't do it and that's why I'm in braces.

Good luck with your decision.

[Duendecilla]

Hello SunshineRay!

I understand you so much. I felt exactly like you, just I am younger. I hope I would have put my braces before! But I understand it's really difficult to accept you don't like your teeth in front of people, as it is an embarrasing thing for you. I even didn't show my braces to my boyfriend until the 5th day with them, I was always hiding them. But I agree with all the people, and I am glad you already talked to your husband. The only thing you needed is sharing these feelings and support, so I am sure you will take the right decision.

About your dentist, I wouldn't call him "yours" anymore. For me, someone that is more interested in the money than in the patient is not a good professional. You needed a bit of support and you probably didn't get it with with any of them. Don't you have other options?

I will be happy to read your news soon

[Tobilei]

Thanks Corrine! I talked to my husband friday night and he was very supportive. He thinks Im harder on myself then I need to be but if it would make me happier then go for it.

Yay! So decision made?

[Slack]

Go for it. Most of us can relate, wearing braces is not "popular", but I personally believe that adult life is the easier phase for doing it - as an adult you have control over your life.

If you still think about it, it's obvious you care. If you care, do something about it. I'm 35, and just got braces.